Gourmet Mie Day 1 – Abalone feast at exotic Shima Peninsula（Article created by Cheeserland）
I’m sure you already knew about my #47PrefectureMission and that I have completed this life mission early June this year.
I visited Mie in 2016 for two things:
1.Ise Jingu Shrine
2. Matsusaka Beef
The two things that Mie is probably most famous for. And these two things alone warrant a visit to Mie. This time around, I’m on a new mission – to go deep. Real deep. For all 47 prefectures. All over again.
I am a proud #VisitMieSupporter of 2019.
We Malaysians and Singaporeans love food. So in this series of blog posts, I’m bringing you on a journey with me to Mie, the paradise of world class gourmet all condensed in one single prefecture.
Here’s Day 1.
I couldn’t find anything Japan-familar other than Toto washlets and Mitsubishi air conditioners. Well, those are exceptions that just have to be made-in-Japan.
Even if you are not staying the night, it makes an unforgettable day trip to Europe, minus the dreadful long flight, tiresome bargaining and potential pickpockets.
Lastly, just before the sun sets, embark on a sunset cruise that brings you along the beautiful Ago Bay.
Amaris Sunset Cruise
We got on the boat from the pier of Shima Mediterranean Village and set on a cruise.
Amaris is a small chartered boat, but that’s what makes it so special. Time and price can be customized according to your request or special occasion.
Amaris is a small chartered boat, but that’s what makes it so special. Time and price can be customized according to your request or special occasion.
We are leaving Spain! Well, at least now the captain speaks Japanese.
Our final destination of the night was getting nearer.
Wait what? We are checking in the hotel by a boat?
Oh right. I forgot we are in Venice now.
Oh right. I forgot we are in Venice now.
Shima Kanko Hotel The Bay Suites
I was spoilt rotten on the very first day – checking into Shima Kanko Hotel The Bay Suites, the very hotel where Prisident Obama, Prime Minister Abe and other country leaders had their sweet bonding time during the G7 Summit 2016.
The Shima locals are very proud of it that the meeting/dining table arrangement is kept exactly how it was like during the summit.
All the suite rooms have an ocean view of the Ago Bay. Everything spells lux. I give it a rate of G7.
Also if you pay attention to the decor in the hotel, you will find lots of pearl decorations, a local specialty (more on that another day!) of the Shima region. Spot the massive pearl chandelier at the lobby!
French Restaurant “La Mer”
While almost everything on Day 1 was a highlight of the day for me, my first dinner was a majestic feast to end the night with.
French Restaurant “La Mer”
While almost everything on Day 1 was a highlight of the day for me, my first dinner was a majestic feast to end the night with.
With Higuchi Hiroe who leads this Michelin 1 star french restaurant. I was told that she never takes a day off and is always seen running around the restaurant doing stuff. It was really nice of her to personally come and greet all of her guests. Such a passionate, hardworking, respectable lady.
I’m someone who doesn’t even know how to use her cutlery properly in a fine dining restaurants, but I know when something is delicious. This is an sea urchin platter with… lots of sea urchin. Even the “ice cream” was sea urchin!
Ise lobster bisque is a classic here so it has to be your choice of soup.
Catch of the day was katsuo. A completely different fare from what I had at Katsuo No Tenpaku.
Would anyone complain about having too much abalone in one day? Remember Ama Hut Satoumian? It was lunch! Is it really okay to spoil me this much?
The abalone steak was the most flavorful abalone I’ve ever had, I mean, it is crispy on the outside!! How is that even possible??
The abalone steak was the most flavorful abalone I’ve ever had, I mean, it is crispy on the outside!! How is that even possible??
Dessert was white peach in fruit gelee.
Even the herbs for tea are homegrown by Higuchi san herself.
I picked La Mer again for my breakfast the next morning. It was great because I didn’t get to enjoy the view the previous night when it was all dark.
In the menu, I could choose between eggs Benedict or omelette with abalone, and I thought it would probably be too much a sin to have abalone 3 meals in a row, so here’s my eggs Benedict.
And I was all fuelled for another activity-packed second day about pearls, shrines and samurais.
Stay tuned!
And I was all fuelled for another activity-packed second day about pearls, shrines and samurais.
Stay tuned!